Competitions

The Hungarian Heritage House regularly announces several competitions in order to support gifted young folk artists at any branch of folk art.

50 hours of free studio recording at the Hungarian Heritage House. It is a unique chance for both professional and amateur musicians and singers to rehearse and make an individual CD at the studio of the Hungarian Heritage House. The competition is for representatives of the folk revival movement; all authentic performers of ethnic folk music from the Carpathian Basin are welcome. Each year three successful applicants receive fifty free recording hours at our studio. The competition does not apply for professional composers and folk-inspired pop musicians. Application form and further information may be obtained from Mr. Albert Mohácsy (+36 1 225-6067).

The "Young Master of Folk Art" title is awarded by the Hungarian Ministryof Education and Culture as an appreciation of young folk artists' (aged 15-35) contribution to preserving and maintaining our cultural heritage. All performers and fine artists related to Hungarian folk art may apply for the title. Applications are evaluated by a professional board at the Hungarian Heritage House. Further information may be obtained from the Applied Folk Art Department at phone numbers +36 1 225-6086 (folk music, folkdance), +36 1 225-6053 (folk narratives) and +36 1 225-6065 (handicrafts).

The Renaissance Year of 2008 served as an occasion for announcing the "Tengertánc" Program for the renaissance and revival of traditional cultural communities. The Program wishes to support initiatives in favor of preserving oral Hungarian folklore, traditional holiday customs, local legends, narratives and beliefs. Applications are welcome from all groups and communities focusing on local traditions and folklore as well as artists and communities wishing to make folklore "marketable" in contemporary society. Further information may be obtained from the Public Education Department of the Hungarian Ministryof Education and Culture (+36 1 473-7462 +36 1 473-7553).

The annual "Táncház - Népzene" ["Dance-house - Folk music"] competition welcomes authentic performers of folk music from the Carpathian Basin. Folk bands and folk singers may apply with three songs or pieces of music each. Performers of the chosen eighteen or twenty song or pieces of music are invited to have their piece recorded on the "Táncház - Népzene" CD published annually by the Hungarian Heritage House, featuring the best folk musicians of the year. The competition does not apply for professional composers and folk-inspired pop musicians. Further information may be obtained from Mr. Albert Mohácsy (+36 1 225-6067).